Maine Senate hopeful Troy Jackson backs socialist activist Todd Chretien for city council

In a recent campaign event, Maine Senate hopeful Troy Jackson announced his endorsement of Todd Chretien, a Portland City Council candidate and former co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America. Chretien has previously written that Jesus of Nazareth condemned the rich before Karl Marx and has described himself as a “revolutionary socialist” seeking to overturn the system. He also edited a volume titled “Eyewitnesses of the Russian Revolution,” featuring commentary from Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin, and is affiliated with the International Socialist Organization.

Jackson praised Chretien’s dedication to working-class constituents and noted their long-standing collaboration during the 2026 midterm cycle. The endorsement arrives amid the fallout from Graham Platner’s exit from the Senate race after numerous abuse allegations. Both Jackson and Chretien have emphasized a shared mission to represent progressive voters in Maine.